Today is April 20th. Today is Sunday. Today is Easter!

I recently was at the store and watched people scrambling for plastic eggs and candy. The bins once full of plastic eggs was now depleted and empty. I was just walking through. But it made me pause and think for a second. 

What is Easter all about? 

I went to church Saturday night, yesterday. And the pastor gave the Easter message. But there was something that stood out this year that hadn't in past years. First, he said that Easter is about Jesus rising from the dead. Then he said, "You may be asking yourself: Great for Jesus. But what does that mean for me?"

The phrase "new, unexpected story" also was mentioned. That God could change the story of our lives. That the same thing happening over and over and over again to our dismay...it can CHANGE! 

That's what Easter means for you! What Easter means for me! The Bible calls it being made new. See: 2 Corinthians 5:17.

This morning I got a taste of what that "new, unexpected story" could be. I got a taste to see what Easter means for you and for me in a greater way than ever before (and that's coming from someone who grew up hearing about Jesus every Sunday). 

This is what happened: there was an accident. And it caused tears and frustration and fear. Thankfully, no one was hurt. After what happened, I paused and realized that this situation needed GRACE. So that's what happened. And in that, a mom comforted her child and reminded that child of being in a safe place, being loved, being precious. 

Everyone needs love. Everyone needs the GRACE of God. 

By the way, "GRACE" is a gift we don't deserve. That's the definition. 

Okay, back to my story. Because of that traumatic experience, another person got triggered. It happens, right? And words went flying from that triggered individual. 

But it was a moment where I saw the story CHANGING. For once I heard the anger and saw what was deeper: The Fear and Hurt of the Past creeping in. 

But here's the thing, no matter who is triggered. No matter what is said in anger. No matter how we mask the pain. It is still there. And Love is the healing balm that people need, not yelling, not anger, not retaliation. Because as I taught my kids, Jesus loves the young; Jesus loves the old; Jesus loves the sick; Jesus loves the person with one leg; Jesus loves the angry person; Jesus loves the scared person. Jesus loves everyone. 

Jesus is Kind. Jesus doesn't yell at us. Jesus doesn't abandon us (Matthew 28) Jesus holds us in His hand (John 10). Jesus is the Best Friend Ever! 

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose again the third day, Death was defeated. Jesus made a way for us to be with Him together forever. And that's Easter! And that's why it is good news! 

And my morning ended with a hug, kind words, and love. And I knew the "New, unexpected Story" had begun, perhaps, for everyone in the room. 

Romans 10:11-13 KJV Bible

"For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

                                            By: Melissa Conkey

*Author note: Jesus loves us so much. He forgives us when we turn from sin (living against God) and follow Him. We are saved because of Jesus (not based on our own actions). If we truly love Jesus, we will not live in sin, but live for God. 

Copyright 2025

Where I come from power outages are the norm. Every thanksgiving there's a section of the city that has to barbaque their turkeys due to the lack of electricity. 

So, last night after dinner when I opened up the fridge to put in something to defrost for the following day, I was only slightly surprised to find the fridge completely dark. 

Was the power out? I checked the kitchen clock to see if the power was out. Nope. The clock time was still glowing green, its normal hue. 

My next thought was: did I need to check the breaker? No. Though it was dark inside, the fridge still hummed its normal purr. 

That meant only one thing: the light bulb.

After unscrewing the light bulb, I looked to see the tiny almost erased wording on it. We found out a store nearby sells it. And in the morning, the light bulb was purchased and replaced.

That's when it hit me...

Easter is coming. But before Easter Sunday,  Jesus (the Light of the world) had to die. That's why God sent Jesus (God in flesh [Hebrews 1-2]): to save us from our sins. 

How dark it must have been for Jesus' friends who truly believed Jesus was their long awaited Messiah and Savior. Now He was dead. Where had the light gone? Wasnt He supposed to save them from their oppressors? 

But Jesus didnt stay dead. On the first day of the week, Light dawned once again! Jesus was alive! Seen by Mary, the disciples, and by many others over 40 days time, Hope lived!

"Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once". (1 Corinthians 15:1-6a KJV Bible)

The Light shines for all who believe in Jesus. Why walk in darkness, when we can walk in the Light?

When the light bulb was out, everything was covered in darkness. But when the light came back on, we rejoiced. Good Friday, the time of remembering Jesus death, is coming. But we rejoice because Easter Sunday is just ahead. 

Praise God! 

Copyright 2025

By:Melissa Conkey

In the Book of Job, Job loses all his wealth as well as the lives of all 10 of his kids in one day! It sounds like Shakespeare as in each trial of loss there is only one servant left alive to run and tell Job the bad news. 

Who was Job? Job was a very rich man, with a big family and a great amount of faith in God.

What was his response? He worshipped God. Job recognized all he had was given to him; and that in death, he could not take anything with him:

"Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

And naked shall I return there.

The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;

Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong." Job 1:21-22 NKJV Bible

That's some bold faith. 

Which makes me ponder, perhaps faith's strength appears not in the moments of blessing, but in the moments of hardship and loss. 

What are you going through today? Did you know God says you can come and cast your cares on Him for He cares for you? (1Peter). 

Copyright 2025

By:Melissa Conkey

February 8th I fell at a theme park onto a steel platform. 

I ended up in a wheelchair. My leg was swollen. And it was very hard to extend my knee. The pain mounted.

Now it is April, almost 9 weeks later.

From wheelchair to cane and brace to just a brace, I'm getting better. It's been a long stretch! Trials...

And incredible blessings I never saw coming (that I cherish) came.

God provided every step of the way. Next is PT. And God willing, back to my job at the school. Whatever is ahead, I'm confident that I'm in the best hands I could possibly be in: His.

 "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.I and my Father are one."- Lord Jesus

John 10:27-30 KJV Bible

Copyright 2025

By: Melissa Conkey

How do I even start? 

Do you ever have family meetings? The ones where you know you need to pay extra attention to what is being shared? Well, in this house, family meetings are only for very important, life changing news. I've learned that over the years. 

So when I was asked to attend one, I paid extra attention to the eyes of the those who asked me to come. Eyes say a lot about the topic about to be addressed. In my dad's face I saw a smile. He is one who likes to be comforting but also honest. In my mom's eyes I saw tears ready to flow, but being kept back. 

I didn't know if it was going to be good news or bad. Then my dad went out and said it,"Your uncle passed away." And I turned to my husband and burst into tears. Because, as I said, it is okay to cry. 

When someone you love is no longer here with you, it's hard. Because they are a part of you. You were connected in some way or another on a deep level. You cry. You mourn. You remember memories that maybe you hadn't thought about in a while. 

So, as they told me the news, I thought of his smile, his kind words to me, his joking manner, and the necklace he gave me that was my late grandmother's (his mom's). But I also felt something else besides sadness. I felt joy.

You see I have something that not every one has. There are many who do. And I'm here to share it with you just in case you don't. Did you know you can have joy in sorrow? You can have a smile in the midst of mourning. 

How? I'm not being insensitive. When the perspective shifts from what we no longer have and moves to what someone else has been given, there is joy. I'll cut to the chase as this is getting way too long. 

My uncle passed away. It wasn't sudden or unexpected. He has been sick for a long time now. And my initial reaction was sadness. But my Uncle isn't dead. He is alive. He has just gone home to his reward. 

You see, Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. He brought forgiveness for all who place their trust in Him as their Savior. What did he save us from? From eternal separation from God who made us and loves us; from eternal torment and anguish which is the penalty for breaking any of God's commands. God is good. He is perfect and loving. He is also righteous and Holy. He isn't evil. 

Now Jesus didn't stay dead. He Rose back to life on the third day. I imagine that it must have been hard to stay in the grave that long as Jesus is God in flesh; He is Life itself. And because Jesus Lives, we who trust in Him live too!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3;16 KJV Bible)

So while my Uncle is no longer here with us. He is with Jesus. He is safe in the arms of Christ. And I will see him again, whole and healthy and happy. 

Promises: 

"He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living" 

(Mark 12:27 KJV Bible)

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him...For the Lord himself shall descend from  heaven with a shout...and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 16-17 KJV Bible)

A Note from the Author: 

It is okay to mourn. It is Okay to cry. Weep with those who weep. But in that, don't forget the promises. Hold  on to the Hope. And if you don't know Jesus as your Savior, you can receive Him today. Just call on His name, confess your wrongs, receive His forgiveness, and let Him transform your life. Please contact me if you'd like to talk more about how to pray and receive Jesus as your Savior. 

https://www.honeybeecorner.com/contact.html

Copyright 2025 

By: Melissa Conkey

When it rains, it pours! That's the saying I grew up hearing, anyways. I suppose in a sense, it being a metaphor for problems, the saying is at times very accurate. But God doesn’t promise it won’t "rain". He does, however, promise to be there with us in the rain.

Well, today it was pouring for me. My leg is injured with some kind of possible nerve issue. I’m on day three of a migraine that won’t quit. And now my stomach isn’t being very nice. Suffice it to say I’m snacking on tortilla chips (gluten free) and sipping on tea. Believe me, I tried sleep, water, medicine, herbs, electrolytes. The whole shabang! But if anything, I’m feeling worse and worse.

I think about that verse in the Bible. You know the one that says God has good plans for us, to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV) But if you look at the context, it isn’t a promise of a life now and here without problems.

Look at "hope". What is it? It’s waiting for something good to happen, that isn’t here yet. "Future", what is that? It is a time that isn’t here yet. Yet. That’s the word. So I’m holding out for that “yet” to come. Maybe you are too?

Maybe you lost your job or are having trouble getting one? Maybe your health isn’t where you want it to be? Maybe you’re having a relational problem with somebody? Whatever you are going through, God is there. I love what Jesus says that nothing can snatch us from His hands (John 10). God is holding me. God is holding you. And if God is holding us, then, we will be okay.

Okay doesn’t mean the problems will be gone. But it means that in the storm, in the rain, I won’t drown. I might get wet, sure, but I’ll make it through. Because “yet” is still coming. The Rainbow is on its way. When will it come? I’m not sure. But Jesus died on the cross and rose again. He defeated death. He took the wrath of God on Himself for the sins of the world; in Jesus, we have forgiveness and a right standing with God the Father.

In Jesus, we have eternal life; that’s the future for all who trust in Jesus as their Savior. That’s the HOPE. Jesus is coming again. But for now, we can live with joy in the midst of problems; we can live without fear in the midst of rain. Jesus is Victorious! And God is with us. And in His Love we live! 

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 KJV Bible

"And I [Jesus] give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." John 10:28 KJV

Promises: Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 28:20, Matthew 11:28

Copyright 2025 By: Melissa Conkey

Let's talk about spices!

When cooking food, not all flavors compliment each other. Garlic and cinnamon, for instance. Some say cooking is an art form. For me, cooking was like getting a love letter.

As a kid, I had some health problems, some which had to do with food. Let me explain. Food was scary for little Melissa. Delicious flavors offered joy and happiness, but then turned into betrayal, cruel and relentless. At one point I was afraid to eat at all. When I ate I felt like I was choking. Reflux disease, esphogeal ulcers, and food allergies were the culprits. But how was I to know? I was a kid. Unaware and undiagnosed.

Thankfully, before my 12th birthday I had crucial surgery; a complete answer to prayer, to many prayers. I was 12 years old when I learned about what was safe to eat and what was dangerous to consume. But that's when food became a love language.

I was less than 90 lbs, age 12. My mom took me to the grocery store. It was exciting every time I found a food I could eat. Back then there weren't so many options. Now its easy to find vegan, gluten free, soy free, etc. But in 2020, such options were much more scarce. So my mom suggested I learn to cook.

Now trying something new is usually anything but easy. But like I said, finding foods and making dishes I could eat without fear became a love letter from Jesus to me. The words of 2 Corinthians 12 ring in my ear. Paul had a problem. He prayed. But God didnt take it away. Instead, He said, "My grace is sufficient."

So, if you are facing something...if you feel like you've been praying forever, dont give up. Keep the faith. And for those who feel stuck in something challenging, I give you what I was given: "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?...Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Psalm 27:1, 14 KJV 

Because, God's grace is enough!

Copyright 2025 By: Melissa Conkey

One of the hardest storms I've been through as a parent is discovering my kid has a super power. Not only does Jammers have a super power, but he also speaks two languages. Let me explain.

My kid was walking on his toes, doing army crawls, and turning circles. Let kids be kids, I thought. But then I was approached with "I think your kid has Autism." Now try to understand, I was caught off guard and in translation my brain produced this sentence in an effort to understand the previous one: "You are a bad mom. Your child is broken." 

Have a little grace, please. I didn't know anything about Autism. I didn't know about the colorful side of it. I just knew I was in a storm that I didn't know how to navigate. 

Turned out (after waiting almost a year for answers) that my kid who mimics and cries, who flaps his hands, and lines up toys again and again, did in fact have Autism. And I prayed and prayed for help with navigating this storm.

Someone said, "I'll pray that it goes away." Smack! The words hit my mommy heart so bad. No! I don't want it to go away. There's nothing wrong with my kid. 

I spent so many hours and time with my son. I learned his own unique language. God was showing me that Autism isn't a disability. It's a superpower. Then a miracle happened, my kid learned to talk (English). Now he loves to talk non stop. And his mind grew. At only 4 years old, my kid knew Astronomy by heart. And how he shares it is his second language. 

As he grew, he expanded to other topics. And if I wanted to have a relationship with my kid, I had to expand too. So, I learned as much as I could: Astronomy, Biology, Mathematics, Art, Geography, Geology, etc. My kid who couldn't talk, except mimic now revealed that he had what his dad calls "a computerized brain." 

But Jammers (my nickname for him) has more than that. He is kind, silly, funny, and friendly. His love for Life and people is beautiful. God made him that way. And I wouldn't change him for the world. 

Maybe you can relate? Maybe you know someone who is being told they are broken because they are different? Have you ever thought that maybe they really have a superpower? 

"I will praise thee [O' God]; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are they works; and that my soul knoweth right well."

Psalm 139:14 KJV Bible

Copyright 2025 By: Melissa Conkey